If you are an ardent nature lover then visiting Prashar Lake near Mandi town, a picturesque and lovely as it is should be on your itinerary. I have visited the place several times and it has always been a new experience.
Abundant with verdant beauty, sylvan surroundings and lush green pastures, Prashar Lake is one of the most adorable tourist and religious place in Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh.
Prashar lake is 49 kilometers north-east of Mandi town which is connected with motor -able roads from both Mandi and Kullu sides and visted by a large number of tourists and pilgrims.
The road from Mandi passes through Kataula and Baghi, a 20 kilometer stretch amidst Oak tree forest Baghi to Prashar becomes quite slippery after rains and snow. Visitors coming from Kullu follow Mandi- Kulu national highway and take diversion from Bajaura to Kataula road. Many locals and tourists fond of tracking walk from Kataula and Bajura to reach the Lake.
The lake is situated at a height of 2730 meters above the sea level and its deep blue water is held sacred by pilgrims coming here to pay obeisance and worship Prashar sage from the mythology. It is believed the sage Prashar mediated here.
The beauty of the place is an oval shaped Lake surrounded by cup shaped sprawling green pastures. The snow-capped peak of Dhualadhar range in the background provides very enchanting view to the place. The Lake has several floating islands, moving from one end to other. The Lake provides panoramic view after a snowfall.
According to mythological belief the Prashar Lake was formed by the Pandavas during their sojourn in this region. As per this account the Pandavas while traveling with Dev Kamrunag after the Mahabharata were in search of a place for their teacher and Dev Kamrunag loved the place so much that he decided to stay here for rest of his life. Thus the mighty Bheem, one of the Pandava brothers thrust his elbow and forearm on the peak of the mountain and a fresh water stream erupted to form a lake. Though people believe the water of the lake is several hundred meters deep but no effort has been made till now to measure the actual depth of the lake.
On the edge of the lake is situated a pagoda shaped wooden temple dedicated to sage Prashar and a few old images dedicated to the deity in the temple.
Though pilgrims in a large number from throughout the state visit the place round the year except during snow season but huge crowd surge here in the annual fair held on June 15.
Pilgrims used to sacrifice hundreds of goats and other animals to offer to the local deity some time ago, a practice which has been restricted after a High court order banning animal sacrifice. This fair is also a trade fair where locals sell and buy wool, woolen blankets and other locally made handicraft.
One can visit recently established Indian Institute of Technology at Kamand on way to Parshar Lake.
How to reach:
Travellers can visit the place from Mandi and Kullu in own vehicles and hired Taxis by road.
Nearest airport is at Bhuntar, 13 kilometers from Kullu.
There are two government rest houses belonging to PWD and Forest departments and prior booking should be made for night stay from their offices at Mandi.
Precaution for tourists:
They should avoid visiting the places during rains and snow season as a patch of road becomes very slippery and should prefer four wheel drive vehicles.
Essentials:
Though you can get some essential items in village shops but travellers should carry all eatables and other things along with them.
A rain coat, wind cheater, light woolen sweeter or warm jackets should be carried as it can rain any time bringing the temperature suddenly.
Backpacks :
Cameras you can carry:
Canon EOS 1300D
Nikon D3500